Floods claims 75 lives in 14 BD districts: Minister

Dhaka, July 28 (UNB) – A total of 75 people, including 56 children and six women, have so far died in 14 flood-hit districts across the country, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman on Sunday.

Among the victims, 67 people drowned in floodwater while eight people died in the incidents of boat capsize. Besides, 6,30,383 people were fully devastated by the sweeping flood while 54,44,032 partially in 163 upazilas of 28 districts.

The junior minister came up with the information at a press briefing at the Secretariat on the overall flood situation in the country.

Besides, some 33,735 houses were fully damaged while 5,32,643 partially, and 8,200 hectares of cropland were fully damaged while 1,45,533 partially during the flood, he said.

According to a forecast of the Water Development Board, floodwaters will see a fall within a day or two.

Enamur said the government has adequate preparation and relief materials for tackling flood if the situation worsens further.

Some 59,000 additional cartons of dry food were allocated for 28 flood-hit districts on July 1 while 10,900 metric tonnes of additional rice allocated on July 7, he said.

All the deputy commissioners have been instructed to take preparations to deal with the flood through the disaster management committees. They have been asked to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of those who have taken shelter in different shelter centres and check the spread of waterborne diseases.